Horsegears Racehorse Conformation, Power verses distance gearing

Power verses distance gearing

"Power gearing indicates the power output of each stride, where as distance gearing can be used as an indication of the stride frequency and length. ".

Traditional gearing has been related to a horses ideal distance, for this reason there has been some confusion about the relationship that the new "power gearing" has with "distance gearing" But it is important to note that power and distance gearing are both calculated using independent bones & levers, and should not be compared, confused or directly related to each other.

Power gearing indicates the power output of each stride, where as distance gearing can be used as an indication of the stride frequency and length.Thus power gearing has little bearing on a horses most likely preferred distance, rather it gives an indication of the ease of speed it will travel over its ideal distance, whatever that may be, Power gearing is what enables a horse to reach its maximum top speed, and with the efficiency that ideal gearing provides, sustain that over a period of time or distance. Where as distance gearing is what enables a horse to be most effective over a particular distance,

Power gearing takes into account both speed AND strength. Power gearing uses the knowledge of levers to analyze the racehorses levers that are primary responsible for its power, and their important relationship to each other. They are assessed accordingly. For optimal power gearing a racehorse requires the right ratios of specific speed and strength levers.. Power gearing enables a racehorse to gallop at speed over its ideal distance, whatever distance that may be. As power gearing assesses various levers in a compounding fashion, for either strength or speed, and uses these relationships to form each power rating, it is quite a complex formula.

The desired conformation power gearing varies little between the sprinter and stayer, as they both need to reach there top max speeds, and sustain it over a distance. Its important to note the distance thoroughbreds race over is quite restricted, being mostly from 800m to 2500m flat in Australia, unlike humans who often race over 100m to marathon distances). Therefore it is reasonable to assume that the conformation required to run over these similar distances may not vary a great deal. it may go along the lines of "restricted distance requires restricted conformation"

With distance gearing each lever is assessed in isolation, and solely for their speed or endurance traits. The independent ratings are then totaled to estimate a horses ideal distance. Distance gearing is a straight forward & simple formula, Although conformation can be used as an indication of a horses preferred distance, a factor that also affects whether a horse is suited to sprint or distances races, and even its stride pattern or feel to an extent, its ideal distance is likely to be determined by its dominant muscle type.

Thoroughbreds have a combination off three muscle types. This is made up of 2 sprinting types, and one endurance type.
The sprinting muscle types produce thicker and shorter bulging muscles which in turn produce shorter strides. The endurance muscle is typically long, lean and flexible. These potentially produce a easy going and longer stride.

That said, although a horses conformation will not give you a definite assessment of a horses ideal distance, if you carefully consider a number of indicators of speed and endurance, in a compounding fashion, you will be able to use a horses conformation traits as a rough guide to its preferred distance.

It should also be noted that a superior power geared horse, is likely to be a versatile type, and even when geared for distance, may well be capable of showing some sprinting form, especially when fresh.

Image: Power gearing is not just about speed over short distances, Pictured we have the 2400ml Group 1 winner of the STC Mercedes Classic (BMW , the well conformed Curata Storm. Geared for both distance AND power. Standing at Carin Park Stud